Former Maryland suffragan bishop Heather Cook has been deposed and "will no longer function as an ordained person in the Episcopal Church." Cook is facing manslaughter and other charges arising out of a DUI hit-and-run that killed a bicyclist in December. www.washingtonpost.com/national/religion...

Cook is currently free on bail and in treatment for alcoholism. She has a June 4 trial date on 13 charges arising out of the incident.

Last Friday (May 1), the PB's office issued a statement saying that Cook had reached a mutual "accord" of deposition with the PB, which took effect immediately. The accord deprives Cook “of the right to exercise the gifts and spiritual authority of God’s word and sacraments conferred at ordination,” according to the statement. The statement also says that the accord resolves all pending disciplinary cases against Cook with the national church, but does not resolve her criminal charges, or any “employment matters” with her former diocese.

On the same day, the Diocese of Maryland accepted Cook's resignation, independent of her agreement with TEC.

Cook’s case has deeply troubled many withiin the Church — prompting questions about alcohol abuse within the clergy, the church’s sometimes easy access to alcohol, how long church leaders knew of her illness, and whether the delegates who elected her in September were informed.

Sad but resigned to the reality of the situation. She couldn't keep her position after such a violation.

The church hopefully is ministering to her. We should not "shoot our wounded". We may be tempted due to the public embarrassment but that is wrong. The Church is about reconciliation. We are all imperfect. Hopefully she will find a way to serve outside of ordained ministry.